Course Outline

Communicate with internal and external role-players to ensure optimal participation and performance required to oversee port operations

• Appropriate tools and information systems are used to manage communication and information in terms of organisational resources. 
• Communication theory is applied in leading discussions, making presentations and chairing meetings related to internal and external stakeholders. 
• Written and oral communication techniques are used with stakeholders of ports and harbours. 
• Information is collated and analysed to develop conclusions and communicate recommendations in performing an oversight role in ports operations. 
• Service levels to a range of ports and harbours customers are measured and monitored according to organisational procedures. 
• Leadership strategies are applied and institutional accountability enhanced to deal with managing a variety of ports and harbours role-players and stakeholders. 

Apply legal, regulatory and statutory requirements within the port and harbour environment

• The National Ports Act and related port rules are applied in the context of South African ports and harbours. 
• South African Maritime Safety Association (SAMSA), Maritime Pollution (MARPOL) and International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) requirements are applied in the port or harbour and approaches. 
• The principles, rules and regulations of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) are applied in relation to the required accounting systems and accountability. 
• The Labour Relations Act (LRA) is interpreted and implemented in accordance with the provisions related to various bodies and role-players. 

Explain maritime economics and international trade in relation to the role and function of ports and harbours in the South African context. 

• The demand and supply of ports and terminals is explained in terms of the comparative advantages/disadvantages of South African ports to competitors. 
• Port productivity and pricing practices are analysed in relation to international best practice. 
• International trade is explained in relation to the maritime economics and the role and function of ports and terminals. 
• Risk regions of trade are identified and tariffs and non tariff barriers are explained in terms of South African product groups and services. 
• The maritime transport industry and the role of the National Ports Authority is explained in the context of South Africa. 
• The internal and external functions of a port are described in relation to the services rendered. 

Explain port economics in relation to the nature and characteristics of port operations in the South African context. 

• The layout and operations of ports/harbours and terminals are analysed in relation to the terminal or port type and infrastructure. 
• The operational processes are described in terms of the import/export logistical flow. 
• Vessel classification and registration are described in relation to the purpose of vessel types. 
• The nature of the different cargoes handled by vessels as well as the specialised cargo handling equipment used are described in terms of safety regulations. 

Apply management principles, concepts and methods to oversee port operations.

• Port/harbour or terminal related problems are defined and investigated in terms of organisational procedures. 
• Possible solutions are generated by using a range of problem-solving techniques and evaluated against the established criteria in order to determine suitability. 
• The optimum solution is implemented according to organisational constraints and evaluated against the criteria. 
• The implementation of an organisation`s code of ethics is evaluated and a plan to improve commitment and compliance is developed in the context of port operations. 
• Potential risks to ports/harbours and terminals are identified and their impact are determined in relation to port operations. 
• Port/terminal continuity plans are developed, implemented and evaluated in consultation with all relevant stakeholders according to organisational procedures and policies. 

Oversee the financial and administrative requirements of a section/division/organisation in the ports and harbours environment. 

• Ships disbursements are calculated and recorded in accordance with statutory requirements and port operations. 
• Expenses/overdue accounts generated during vessels port stays are monitored and allocated/recovered according to port or terminal procedures. 
• Vessel working documentation, operational ship documentation and cargo documentation is monitored and administered according to statutory requirements and organizational procedures. 
• Container control documentation is monitored and administered in relation to the principals and depots. 
• Business unit budget needs are analysed, presented and justified with reference to management expenses and economic viability. 
• Actual expenses and revenue are monitored and controlled against projected expenses and revenue.